Musical instrument



March 24, 1931. 5. w. HIGGINBOTHAM 1,798,020

MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Filed Jan. 29, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l (NVENTOR 6301578 Hyz'niolbam BY ,g/Jwu.

ATTORNE March 24, 1931. G. w. HIGGINBOTHAM 1,798,020

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed Jan. 29, 1929 ZSheets-Sheet 2 ucc INVEN TOR Geoye Hilyyinbcibam ATTORNE Patented Mar. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES GEORGE W. HIGGINBOTHAM, OF TAKOMA PARK, IMTARYLAND MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Application filed January 29, 1929. Serial No. 335,836.

This invention appertains to improvements in musical instruments generally, and more particularly to pianoforte types of such instruments.

An object of the invention is to provide an instrument of the class set forth, which is embodied in a comparatively simple but durable and efiicient combination, construction and arrangement of parts, wherein tone "ibrations will be produced mechanically to correspond to the tone vibrations of the strings of an ordinary form of piano, but without the use of strings or the percussion force or strokes of hammers usually employed to set the same in vibration in the sequence of manipulation of the hammer actuating keys.

Another object of the invention is to provide an instrument as hereinbefore characterized, wherein the tone producing elements or members will be supported in positions of readiness to produce tones of a selected or predetermined sequence, and to be moved into cooperative relation to power actuated vibrators upon the manipulation of keys arranged in banked formation at the front of the instrument after the manner of the usual keyboard arrangement of an ordinary piano, and wherein the volume of each tone to be produced will be governed by the amount or degree of depression of the key fingered to produce a given or particular tone.

A further object of the invention is to provide a musical instrument of the type mentioned, which, while being susceptible to imitating accurately the tones of standard types of stringed musical instruments, will also produce the tones of a musical composition with a greater degree of rhythmic harmonic relation and smoothness in continuity of successive tones than it is possible to obtain in the tones produced by vibrations imparted to the strings of ordinary forms of such instruments in the use of known means and methods of imitating the vibrations thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tone sustaining means for cooperation with each of the fingering keys of the instruments herein described, and which will be operable from a single foot pedal, or the like, in the usual manner of such devices,

but which will only act to sustain selected tones as distinguished from, those types of such devices which act to sustain all tones produced during a given period of depression of the foot pedal.

Vith the foregoing and other equally important objects and advantages in view, the invention resides'in the certain new and use ful combinations,constructions and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter more ,fully described, set forth in the appended accompanying one of the tone producing elements or members,

Figure 4 is an enlargedtransverse section through one of the tone producing elements or members, and the tone transmitting element or member cooperative therewith.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail, partly in section, illustrating the resilient connection extending between one of the tone producing elements or members and its associated control key levers,

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail, partly in section, of. one of the transmitter connections of a tone transmitting element or member,

Figure 7 is a view'similar to that of Figure 1, but shows a modified form of the improved tone producing mechanism,

Figure 8 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 88 of Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 7, and shows a further modification of the tone producing mechanism, and

Figure 10 is a view similar to those in Figures 1, 7 and 9, and showing a still flirther modified form of the tone producing mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, the embodiment of the invention, as shown therein by way of example, comprises a sound-proof casing or housing 21, which is preferably of metal and of, a length to be supported hori-' zontally within the ordinary cabinet or case (not shown). This casing or housing 21 is also, and preferably, liquid proof to retain within the same a body of oil, in which the operating parts of the tone producing mechanism is to be partially immersed, and a' filling opening 22 is provided in its upper side, and a drain opening 23 in its lower side, substantially as shown. To give ready access to the side of this supporting member 25are a plurality of bracket members 28, which are each formed to provide a depending main armportion 29 and a forwardly and downwardly inclined arm portion 30.

The lower end of each of the main arm por tions 29 ispreferably formed to provide a bearing portion 31'and a removable bearing portion 32 normally secured to the portion 31 r by means of oppositely disposed bolt or screw fastenings' 33. The removable portion 32, however, is preferably sustained in its 00- operative relation with respect to the. fixed portion 31, by means of tensioning springs or the like 34 interposed between the opposite end portions of the same and the heads of the bolts or screws 33, somewhat as illustrated.

Journalled in a bearing formed by the portions 31 and 32 is a shaft- 35, which extends 'the full length of the casing or housing 21.

and is to be driven at a high rate of speed by a prime mover, such as the electric motor 36 in any suitable manner, or through the medium of a train of intermeshing gears 37 38 and 39, the gear 37' being keyed on the shaft of the prime mover 36, the gear 39.

on the shaft 35, and the intermediate gear 38' on a stub shaft or the like 40, which is preferably journalled in a bearing carried at thelower end of a suitable supporting member or bracket 41 depending from the under side of the main supporting member or bar 25.

Also keyed on the driven shaft 35 are a plurality of vibrator members or discs 42, each in concentric relation with respect thereto, and which functions after the manner of a cam by reason of the peripheral edge of the same being irregularly formed, as by being roughened, serrated, or otherwise shaped to provide a number of minute projections, as at 43, in Figure 2. Cooperative with each vibrator cam or disc 42 at the forward side vided with a pair of transversely spaced ears or lugs 45 projecting from its rear side to engage to either side of the forward edge of the bracket portion 28. These ears or lugs 45 are preferably located at an intermediate point on the. arms or levers 44 above the transverse centers of the latter, and are aper-' tured, as at 46, to receive a pivot pin or the like 47 inserted therethrough, and through an alined aperture formed in the bracket portion 28. A pair of transverselyspaced ears or lugs 48 are formed at the rear side of each vibrating arm or lever 44 adjacent the lower end thereof, and are apertured, as at 49, to journal therein a shaft or the like on which a roller 50 is keyed. This roller 50 operates between the ears or lugs 48, and is to cooperate with the peripheral edge of an "adjacent vibrator cam or disc 42, as will be hereinafter fully explained. The extreme lower end of the vibrating arm or lever 44 is preferably angularly bent in a forward direction, as at 51, to provide a clearance between this end of the arm or lever and the adjacent parts of the mechanism.

The upper end of the rear face of the vibrating arm or lever 44 is formed to provide a shoulder portion 52,-which normally abuts againstthe forward end of a stop member 53, the latter being preferably in the form of a bolt or the like disposed in threaded engagement with an ear or-lug 54 formed at the upper side of the forward edge portion of the supporting member or bar 25. A lock nut 55 is threaded on the forward end of the stop member 53, and abuts the forward side of the ear or lug 54 to retain the latter'in adjusted position. The upper end of the arm or lever 44 is also angularly bent in a forward direction to provide an arm portion 56.

The outer end portion of this arm portion 56 is vertically apertured, as at 57 to receive therethrough the lower end of an actuating rod 58 which has its upper end pivotally conneetedto the lower end of a plunger 59 depending into the casing or housing 21 through an outwardly nippled opening 60 formed on the top wall of the latter. The

bore of this nipple 60 is preferably filled with 2.1.

a packing surrounding the plunger 59, and this packing 1s retained 1n place by a screw threaded closure 61. The lower end of the a ceive thereon a nut 62 which abuts the lower side of the arm portion 56, and is preferably locked on the rod end by a cotter pin or the like. Engaged on the rod 58 is a coiled spring 63, which has its lower end bearing against a washer 64, loosely mounted on the rod 58, and seated on the upper side of the arm portion 56, and its upper end tensioned against an adjustable nut carried on the rod 58. I The forward and rearwardly curved face of the intermediate portion of the vibrating lever 44 is preferably channeled or grooved, as at 66, to slidably seat therein a member or shoe 67, which is supported in position, in part, by pivotal connection with the lower end of a member or rod 68. This member or rod 68 is passed upwardly of a longitudinally elongated slot 69 formed in the upper arm portion 56 of the lever 44, and has its upper end pivotally connected to the lower end of the plunger 59 immediately adjacent the point of pivotal connection of the upper end of the actuating rod 58 therewith. The upper end of the plunger 59 is pivotally connected, as at 70, to the under side of a key lever 71, which is mounted in position in the usual manner of the key levers of an ordinary piano. Tnterposed between the lower side of the key lever 71 and the upper wall of the casing or housing 21, and preferably in advance of the plunger 59 is a coiled spring, 72, which acts to support the key lever 71 in its normal position of rest.

Extending forwardly from the front side of the sliding shoe 67 is a semi-flexible rod or wire 7 3, which has its rear end engaged in a socket 74 formed on the shoe 67 and resiliently retained therein by means of a coiled spring 75 for relative movement with respect to the shoe during the movements of the same along the channel or groove 66 in the front face of the vibrating lever 44. The forward end of the member 7 3 is passed outwardly of an aperture formed in the rear wall 76 of a sound chamber or box 77 secured in the front wall of the casing or housing 21, and is attached by'a forked connection 78 to the rear side of a diaphragm 79 positioned within the sound chamber or box 77. The diaphragm 79 is tensioned by the rod or wire 73 outwardly against an annular flange 80 formed in the sound chamber or box 77 at all times. The forward end of the sound chamber or box 77 is formed to provide a. flared outlet or megaphone 81 for directing the sound produced at the diaphragm 79 exteriorly of the cabinet or case not shown), in which the sound producing mechanism is to be housed in its entirety. A coiled spring 82 is preferably encircled about the vibration transmitting rod or wire 73, and tensioned between the forward face of the sliding shoe 67 and the rear wall 76 of the sound chamber or box 77. This spring 82 is preferably tapered in form to have its bore progressively increase in diameter outwardly from the sliding shoe 67,.so that suliicient clearance will be provided to allow for flexing movements to the rod or wire 73, correspondingly with the vertical sliding movements of the shoe 67 on the lever 44, without interference or otherwise possible contact therewith.

In the operation of the form of the invention, as thus constructed and arranged, 'and with the electric motor or other prime mover 36 started up to the predetermined speed of rotation of the main shaft 35, the latter, together with the several vibration producing elements or cams 42 will normally'idle by reason of the vibrating levers 44 being tensioned under the effects of the several coiled springs 63, 72 and 82, with their shouldered portions against the stops 53, to sustain the rollers 50 out of contact with the peripheries of the elements or cams 42. A player will now take seated position before the instrument, in the same manner as occupied in playing an ordinary piano, and will finger the keys 71. As the key lever 71 is depressed at its forward end from its fulcrum or pivot 71, against the tension of the coiled spring 72, the plunger 59 will move downwardly within the casing-or housing 21, and through the medium of the actuating rod 68 will move the shoe 67 downwardly of the groove or channel 66, in the vibrating lever 44 to a point substantially in the plane of the pivot 47, at which point, washer 64 will have been lowered into contact with the upper side of the angular arm 56, of the arm or lever 44, when continued downward movement of the key lever 71 and the rods 58 and 68, the arm or lever 44 is swung on its pivot 47 to move the roller 50 into contact with the irregular periphery 48 of the cam or disc 42. During the further downward movement of the rod 58, the coiled spring 63 is increasingly placed under tension and exerts a correspondingly increased pressure on the arm or lever 44 to force the roller 50 more firmly into contact with the cam or disc 42. Just as soon as the roller 50 is moved into contact with the edge of the cam or disc 42, and the shoe 67 passes below the plane of the pivot 47, a tone, corresponding to the particular key lever 71 selected at the moment, will be produced at the transmitting diaphragm 79, the vibration set up in the roller 50, by the action of the irregular peripheral surface 43, of the vibrating element or cam 42, on the roller being transmitted to and through the lever 44 to the sliding shoe 67, and from the latter by the rod or wire 73 to the diaphragm 79 to that end.

With an initial downward movement of the shoe 67 in the channel or groove 66 in the lever 44 and until it passes below the horizontal plane of the pivotal point 47 of the latter, the tone to be produced by the slight contact between the roller 50 and the element or cam 42 will be very soft and of low pitch. Now, upon a further and gradual depression of the key lever 71, the shoe 07 will move downwardly of the lever 44, and as it progresses to the lower end thereof, the tone produced at the diaphragm 79 will increase in loudness and volume correspondingly, since the expansive effort of the spring 82 now acts to tension the shoe 67 more firmly p mam shaft at all times, rlngs or loops 95 against the lever 44, and consequently the roller is similarly forced into greater effect against the periphery of the element or cam 42.

T o sustain a particular tone, a sustaining action will be provided. and as shown in Figure 1, the rear end of each key lever 71 will be preferably bevelled at its upper side,

as at 82, which is arranged to cooperate with the lower bevelled end 88 of a detent or hook member 84 in a manner to swing the latter rearwardly on its pivotal support 85. so that the bevelled. end of the key lever 71 passes above a shouldered portion 80 formed at the forward side of the'detent or hook. As soon as the bevelled end of the key lever 71 passes the shoulder 80. the detent or hook 84 swings by gravity in a forward direction and moves the shoulder 86 toa position beneath same. when. if the forward end of the key lever 71 is released bythe finger of the player, the key lever will. be prevented from return ing-to normal position. The upper end of the detent or hook'84 above its pivot 85, is provided with a lug 87, which is to be engaged by a lug or stop 88, carried on one arm of an angledor bell crank lever 89 also above the pivot 85, to maintain the same in its normal position, when not engaged, and to swing it in a rearward direction to cause its shouldered portion 86 to he released from engagement with the adjacent bevelled end of the key lever 71. and to allow the latter to return to normal inoperative position under the expansive action of the coiled spring r 42. This angled or hell crank lever 89 swings with a shaft or rod 90 which is suitably supported at its opposite side from the end walls of the cabinet or case (not shown) of the instrument, while the several detents or hooks 84 corresponding in number to the number of key levers 71 employed. are pivotally mounted on a common pivot rod 85 extending horizontally for the full length of the cabinet or casing aforesaid and supported in the lower ends of the bell crank levers 89. of

which there is one for each detent 84. The other arm of the bell crank lever 89 is pivotally connected by the upper end of an operating rod 91, which has its lower end pivotally connecting the rear end of a foot pedal 9), the latter being, in turn, pivotally supported at a point intermediate its length, as at 93, for usual rocking movements when actuated. A coiled spring 94 will preferably be associated with each of the detents or key lever ends in the playing movements thereof.

To assure of the proper lubrication of the may be employed in conjunction with the ordinary form, of pneumatic player piano, wherein a perforated music roll sheet amoves over a tracker b, and thereby causes the actuation of pneumatic devices 0 to be actuated by air pressure in the hose or tube connect-ions (Z, extendingbetween the openings in the tracker 7) and the devices 0 for the operation of the key levers 71.

Referring now to Figure 6, wherein is shown a modified form ofconnection between the vibration transmitting rod 73 and the fork 78 arran ed to bear a ainst the inner b 5 side of the transmitting diaphragm aforesaid. This connection functions as a takeup or compensation for. wear on the parts through which the vibration is transmitted to the diaphragm from the vibrator members or cams 44. As shown, one arm of the fork 78 is formed to provide avrearwardly directed portion 96, which is offset to one side of the center of the fork, and has a transverse aperture in the same to receive a bolt member or the like for the attaching thereto of the adjacent end of the vibration transmitting member or red 7 3 leading from the collector shoe 67'aforesaid. This attaching member or bolt is formed to provide a headed portion 97 at the end thereof engaged in the aperture of the offset portion 96, an intermediate tapered portion 98, and reduced threaded portion 99 at its other end. The tapered intermediate portion 98 extends across the plane of the center of the fork 7 8' and receives thereon the connected end of the member or rod 73, which, when-propcorresponding to the tapered portion of the bolt and has its larger end bearing against the thickened or bossed portion 100 of the member or rod 73.

In the form of the invention as shown in Figure 7, the main shaft 35 is journalled directly in the forward end of the support bar 25, while the vibrating lever 44 is pivoted at its upper end, as at 47 to the forward end of a second support member or bar 103. The contacting roller 50 is journalled directly in the lower end of the lever 44, which is slightly inclined in a rearward direction to admit of the free play of the periphery of the roller against the peripheral face of the vibrator disc or cam 42. In this instance, the lever control rods 58 and 68 are forwardly inw clined, and are pivotally connected to the latter is fully opposite ends of a rocker arm or lever 104, which, in turn, is centrally pivoted to a bracket 105 projecting inwardly from a front wall portion of the casing or housing 21. An angularly disposed arm 106 projects forwardly from the central pivoted portion of the rocker arm 104, and pivotally connects the lower end of the operatingplunger 59 depending into the casing or housing 21 from its upper point of pivotal connection with the key lever 71. A coiled spring 72 is encircled about the upper end of the plunger 59, and is interposed between the under side of the key lever 71 and the top wall of the casing or housing 21. The rear wardly disposed end of the control rod 58 is passed through an aperture formed centrally of the lever 44, and has a nut 62 threaded on the same and disposed in abutting relation to the rear side of the lever. A coiled spring 63 is encircled about the control rod 58, and is interposed between the forward side of the lever 44 and an adjusting nut 65 threaded on an intermediate portion of the rod. The rod 58 is preferably supported'for sliding movement in a bracket or the like 107 projecting from an adjacent wall portion of the casing or housing 21. A second coiled spring 108 is also positioned on the rod 58, and is interposed between the bracket 107 and the end of the rocker arm or lever 104 to which the rod 58 is engaged, which spring acts to cushion the action of the parts during the depression movement of the key lever 71 in play. In the normal position of this control rod 58, the lower nut 62 is adjusted thereon to hold the lever 44 in such manner that the roller 50, at the lower end of the clear of contact with the periphery of the vibrator disc or cam 42. This position of the parts is determined by the key lever 71 being at rest in its normal position for play. Similarly, the rear end of the control rod 68 is passed through an aperture in the vibrating lever 44, which aperture is preferably located at the end of the rocker arm 104 oppositeto the point of connection of the rod 58 therewith. A coiled spring 109 is encircled about the rod 69, and is inter posed between the forward side of the lever 44 and an adjustable nut 109 threaded on an intermediate portion of the rod. These springs 63 and 109 are preferably adjusted to nearly a balanced tension, so that the roller 50, on the lower end of the lever 44, will be held free from contact with the vibrator disc or cam 42 in the normal position of the associated parts as aforesaid, while the spring 108 acts to cushion the parts at all times.

The vibration transmitting member or rod 73, in this instance, is pivoted at its rear end, to the lower end of the vibrating lever 44 immediately above the roller 50, and at its forward end is attached directly to the center of the diaphragm 76. This diaphragm 76 is mounted in the inner end of an outwardly elongated sound tube 110, which opens into the rear end of a sound amplifying chamber or box 77, the tube 110 being restricted, as at 110, immediately in rear of its point of connection with the amplifying chamber. The forward end of the amplifying chamber 77 is formed to provide a flared discharge opening 81 which acts after the manner of a megaphone to distribute the sound emitted therefrom.

To control the volume of the sound passing from the diaphragm 76 outwardly through the sound chamber 77, a forwardly curved partition wall 111 is positioned vertically across an intermediate point in the chamber, and the same is formed to provide a substantially V-shapcd opening 112 in the same. Mounted within the sound chamber 77, in rear of the partition 111 is a control valve or shutter 113, which is pivoted in the rear wall of the sound chamber, at apoint above the inlet thereto of the restricted portion or throat 110, of the sound tube 110, for vertical swinging movements. Projecting through the rear wall of the sound chamber 77, from the pivoted end of the valve or shutter 113, is an actuating arm 114 which is operatively connected to the key lever 71 by a member or rod 115. The valve or shutter 113 is normally declined in a forward direction from its pivotal support aforesaid, with its forward edge portion resting on a strip of felt packing or the'like 116 secured in position on the bottom wall of the sound chamber 77 immediately in rear of the partition wall 111, so that it effectively cuts off all sound from the forward open portion of the chamber.

In the operation of this form of the instrument, with the main shaft 35 being rotated at a predetermined speed, a selected key lever 71 will be depressed against the tension of the spring 72, when the roller 50, on the lever 44, will be moved against the peripheral edge of the vibrator disc or cam 42, and the'vibration set up in the lever willbe transmitted to the diaphragm 76 for the production of the desired note or tone. -With the 1n1t1al' depression of the key lever 71 the plunger 59 will descend and depress the arm 106 of the rocker arm or lever 104 which will roller 50 into contact with the vibrator disc.

or cam 42 the lever being free to move rearwardly along the rod 68 aided by the tension of the spring 109. At the same time, this initial depression of thekey lever 71 acts to depress the rod 115 and the arm 114 connected by the latter, with the result that the valve or shutter 113 will swing upwardly within the sound chamber 7 7 a and uncover the lower portion of the slotted opening 112 in the par. tition wall 111, when thenote or tone produced at the diaphragm 76 will be broadcasted from the megaphone 81. By depressing the key lever 71 to a greater or lesser degree, the volume of the note or tone will be correspondingly varied. During the depression movement of the key lever 71 the coiled spring 108 is compressed between the bracket 107 and the complemental end of the rocker arm 104, and functions to cushion the parts against possible transmission of the vibration from the lever 44 therethrough to the casing 21*.

When the key lever 71 is released by the player, the spring 72, aided by the spring 63 will return the key lever and the 0perative parts of the mechanism to normal positions, and the spring 108 will act in the lifting of the vibrating arm or lever 44 from its engagement with the cam or disc 42 when the nut 62 comes into contact with the rear side of the arm or lever 44*.

The casing or housing 21 will be partially filled with a lubricating oil into which a conveyor ring or the like 95 will dip to lubricate the bearings of the main shaft 35, and also a filling opening 22 will be provided in the top wall, and a drain opening 23 in the bottom wall of the casing or housing, as in the first instance of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 9, in the modified form of the mechanism as shown therein, the main shaft 35* is journalled directly in the forward end of the support or bracket 25",.

while the vibrating lever 44 is pivoted at its lower end, as at 47", and is supported on its pivot in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined position at the forward side of the peripheral edge of the vibrator disc or cam 42 with which it is associated. The upper end of the vibratory lever 44' is apertured for engagement over the rearwardly directed end of an operating rod 117 which is projected horizontally outward of the upper front wall portion of the casing or housing 21*. The upper end of the lever 44 is maintained in its engagement with an operating rod 117 by means of a pair of abutted lock nuts 118 and 119 threaded on the inner or rear end of the latter for the purpose. These lock nuts 118 and 119 are so adjusted that in' the normal position of the operating rodl17, the lever 44" is sustained with its r'oll er 50?- out of contacting relation with the-*complemental vibrating disc or cam 42. ,The roller 50, in this instance, is journal'led'in the lever 44 at a point intermediate" the opposite ends thereof and substantially in the plane of the horizontal axis of the vibrating disc orcam 42 The vibration transmitting connection or rod 73 is attached tothe-lever '44 directly in line with, but at approximately right angles to the axis of the roller 50 and extends horizontally forward therefrom to its point of connection with the fork or yoke 7 8 through the medium of which the vibrations are transmitted to the diaphragm 76 inthe sound tube 110 leading to the sound chamber or box 77'.

In this instance of the invention, the volume control valve 113, which is cooperative with the slotted partition wall 111 in the sound chamber or box 7 7 ",has its outer arm portion 114 operating througha slot formed in the 117 abuts the forward side of the lever arm,

114 for cooperation therewith to actuate the valve 113 during the operative movements of the rod 117. A coiled spring 7 2 has its rear end attached to the extreme upper end of the arm 114 of the valve 118, and its forward end to a fixed point within the cabinet or case (not shown) 7 and in such manner that it will act to tension the parts of the mechanism effected thereby always toward the normal position of rest. The forward end of the operating rod 117 has pivot connection, as at 122. with the lower 'end of a member or bracket 123 depending from the under side of the key lever 71*, so that, when the latter is depressed, in the course of play, the rod 117 is pushed in a rearward direction.

A spring 123, housedwithin the sound conducting tube 110", is interposed between the forward side of the diaphragm 7 6 and a cross bar or the like 125 in the sound tube, and functions to tension the key lever 44 in a rearward direction to move the roller 50. against the irregular periphery of the vibrating disc or cam 42*, when the operating rod 116 is moved rearwardly by the depression of the key lever 71 to similarly move the lock nut 118 out of abutting relation with respect to the rear side of the upper end of the lever 44 'engaged on the rear end of the rod 117. As the rod 117 moves rearwardly, un-

der the action of the depressed key lever 71, the nut 121 forces against the arm 114 of the valve 113", and moves the latter to open position correspondingly with the degree of depression imparted to the key lever 71, so that the volume of sound from the diaphragm 76 will be similarly varied in its broadcast from the outlet or megaphone 81".

In the form of the mechanism as shown in Figure 10, the casing or housing 21 preferably has the sound chamber or box 77 rising from the upper side of the rear portion of the same, so that the sound to be produced at the diaphragm 76, at the inner end of the chamber or box 77, will be broadcast directly into the cabinet or case (not shown), in which the casing or housing 21 is to be mounted. Also, the vibrating lever 44 is horizontally disposed within the casing or housing 21, and is pivoted, as at 47, at its forward end, while the roller 50 is journ alled in its inner or rearwardly directed end, and cooperates with the upper side of the peripheral edge of the vibrating disc or cam 42, when operated. i

The vibrating lever 44 is normally maintained in position with the roller 50 out of contact with the disc or cam 42 by the nut 62 at the lower end of the rod 58, which passes upwardly for pivoted connection with the forward end of a rocker arm or lever 104. A companion rod 58 is pivoted at its lower end to the same end of the arm or lever 104 and projects upwardly and outwardly of the casing 21, and pivotally connects the key lever 71. The rocker arm or lever 104 has its other end pivotally connected to the upper end of a second rod 68, which, in turn, has its lower end passing downwardly through an aperture formed in the lever 44, adjacent the aperture therein through which the lower end of the rod 58 is passed.

Carried on the rod 58 is a lower coiled spring 63 which is interposed between the upper side of the lever 44 and the lower side of a supporting bracket 107 engaged with an intermediate portion of the rod 58. Also carried on the rod 58 is an upper spring 106, which is, in turn, interposed between the upper side of the bracket 107, and the lower side of the end-of the rocker arm 104 engaged by the rod 58. A spring 109 is also provided on the rod 68, and is interposed between the upper side of the lever 44 and a nut 109 adjustably mounted on anintermediate portion of the rod 69.

Cooperative with the slotted partition wall 111, in the sound amplifying chamber or box 77, is a valve member 113, which has an operating portion or arm 114 extending outwardly of a slotted opening formed in one wall of the chamber or box 77 for pivot connection at its other end, as at 122, to a key lever 71. This portion-or arm 114 is pivoted at a point intermediate its ends to a suitable member or rod 124. The operation of this form of the mechanism is substantially the same as in the other instances of the invention.

.Each of the amplifying chambers or sound boxes 77 of the several forms of the mechanisms will preferably be provided with resonance members or tubes 126, which may be of either double formation, as at 126 (Figure 1) of single formation, as at 126, 126 and 126 (Figures 8, 9 and 10) to further amplify the sound produced at the diaphragms and in its passage through the sound chambers or boxes. These members or tubes 126, 126, 126 and 126, preferably depend from the lower sides of the respective sound chambers or boxes 77, 77, 77 b and 77, and open into he latter, substantially as shown.

It is to be noted of the revoluble vibrating membersor discs 42, 42, 42 and 42 that the irregularity of the peripheral edges thereof may be constituted in a series of small lobes or protuberances which act on the rollers or the vibrating levers in a manner to cause sounds or tones to be produced at the diaphragm. In a complete unit, each Vibrator disc or cam 42 will be different in respect to the form of the irregularity of another, and

of a nature to produce a particular sound or tone corresponding to that of a note in the musical scale, and according to the pitch of the note in a particular octave. These lobes, on each of the vibrator discs or cams 42, need not be, in any instance, over one one-thousandth of an inch in depth, but may vary throughout the scale range of a complete unit from about one thirty-second of an inch to one ten-thousandth of an inch in height. The several vibrator discs or cams 42 will be driven at a constant speed by the prime mover geared to the shaft, whichspeed can be properly determined by the use of-tachometer. The prime mover, when constituted in an electric motor will be connected to any suitable source of current supply available for the purpose.

Without further description,.it is thought that the features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and it will of course be understood that changes in the form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or its scope as claimed.

Having thus fully described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a plurality of vibrating members, power means for operating all of said members continuously and simultaneously, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of a musical scale,-means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, means for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

2. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a plurality of rotary vibrating members, power means for operating 7 all of said members continuously and simultaneously, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said mem-- scribed comprising a casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted within said casing, power means for operating all of said members continuously and simultaneously, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of a musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position formovements relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, means for selective- 1y controlling the operative-engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced, means fortransmitting the vibrations of said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume ofsound emitted from said broadcasting means.

4. A musical instrument of the class described comprising asound-proof casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted within said casing, power means for operating all of said, members continuously and simultaneously, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producingtones of amusical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movements relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the, said vibrating elements, means for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced fromsaid casing, means for transmitting the vibrations of said elements to said broadcasting means,

and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

5. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a cabinet, a casing adapted to be mounted within said cabinet, a plurality of vibrating members mounted with in said casing, power means for operating all of said members continuously and simultaneously, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, means for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing and said cabinet, means for transmitting the vibrations ,of said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

6. Amusical instrument of the class described comprising a cabinet, a sound-proof casing adapted to be mounted within said cabinet, a shaft extending lengthwise of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for'operating said shaft, anormally inoperative .vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical 1 scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movementrelative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, means for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing and said cabinet, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

7. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a cabinet, a sound-proof casing adapted to be mounted within said cabinet, a shaft extending lengthwise, of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of saidmembers for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, key levers carried by said cabinet for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing and said cabinet,

means for transmitting thevibrations from "said elements to said broadcasting means, and

means for varying the volume of sound admitted from said broadcasting means.

8. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a closed casing, a shaft extending lengthwise of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said elements, tension means for cushioning the operative movements of said vibrating elements, key levers carried casing for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the vibrating elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

9. A. musical instrument of the class described comprising a closed casing, a shaft extending lengthwise of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale,'means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said elements, variable tension means for cushionin the operative movements of said elements, icy levers carried by said casing for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume-of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

10. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a closed casing, a shaft extending lengthwise of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of said elements, spring means for'cushioning the operative movements of said elements, key levers carried by said casing for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

11. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a closed casing, a shaft exteriorly of said extending through said casing, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of the said vibrating elements, balanced spring means for cushioning the operative movements of said elements, means for selectively controlling the operative engagement of the elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

12. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a closed casing, a shaft extending through the interior of said casing, a plurality of vibrating members mounted on said shaft, power means for operating said shaft, a normally inoperative vibrating element cooperative with each of said members for producing tones of the musical scale, means for mounting said elements in position for movement relative to said members, means for varying the magnitude of vibration of said elements, variable balanced spring means for cushioning the operative movements of said elements, key levers carried by said casing for selectively control ling the operative engagement of the elements with said members, means for broadcasting the selected tones produced from said casing, means for transmitting the vibrations from said elements to said broadcasting means, and means for varying the volume of sound emitted from said broadcasting means.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

GEORGE W. HIGGINBOTHAM. 

